Echinopsis SUBDENUDATA 'FUZZY NAVEL'

Echinopsis SUBDENUDATA 'FUZZY NAVEL' - Domino cactus 'Fuzzy Navel', Echinopsis subdenudata, Lobivia SUBDENUDATA.

Echinopsis is a genus of cacti in the family Cactaceae, comprising more than 120 species native to South America, predominantly in Argentina, Bolivia, and Uruguay.

The genus is represented by globose or short-stemmed cacti with numerous ribs, large areoles, and a diversity of spines - from short to long, slender, and curved. Plants often elongate with age, forming a columnar shape. A hallmark of Echinopsis is large funnel-shaped flowers on a long tube that open at night or in the early hours.

Flowers form in spring and summer, ranging from white, pink, and red to salmon, with a strong fragrance. Flowering does not last long - from one to three days. Fruits are fleshy, oblong, with a soft rind. Seeds are black, small, rounded, with a shiny surface.

The domino cactus is a small-sized cactus distinguished by slightly flattened stems. The ribs are quite prominent, with small, sharp spines. Flowers are often white, rarely with a pinkish tint. There may be several flower stalks. Flowers open at night and are intensely fragrant.

Seeds are sown on the surface of a moistened, loose mineral substrate. The sowings are covered with a transparent lid. Ventilation is provided 1-2 times a day, and the temperature is maintained within 22-26 °C (72-79 °F).

Seedlings appear in 5-15 days. The maximum germination period is up to 25 days. Pricking out is performed when the first spines appear; the seedlings are transplanted into individual containers and gradually acclimated to bright light.

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Echinopsis is well-suited for indoor growing. It is placed on a sunny windowsill, preferably with southern orientation. In spring, gradual acclimation to sunlight is recommended to avoid burns. During the period of active growth, a temperature of 20-28 °C (68-82 °F) is maintained. In winter, conditions of 8-10 °C (46-50 °F) in a dry room are preferable. Watering is carried out rarely, only after the substrate has completely dried out. In winter, watering practically ceases.

A loose mineral substrate with sand and fine gravel is used. Repotting is carried out in spring once every 2-3 years into deep, stable pots. Drainage is mandatory. During the growing season, cactus fertilizers are applied once every 3-4 weeks. Fertilizing stops at the beginning of autumn. Nitrogen fertilizers are not used.

Shaping is not performed. Propagation is carried out by seeds and offsets that root easily during the warm season. Flowering is possible just a few years after rooting.